Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Known simply as Istanbul Modern, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art opened in 2004 in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. Sitting in a converted warehouse on the banks of the Bosphorus, the museum features contemporary works of art by Turkish artists.

Istanbul Modern has two exhibition halls. On the upper floor, you’ll find the museum’s permanent collection, displayed in chronological order so that it showcases the development of Turkish modern and contemporary art over time. Works range from painting and sculpture to installation and video.

The lower floor includes a Temporary Exhibition Hall that hosts conceptual shows and retrospectives, as well as large-scale and international exhibitions. A Photography Gallery often hosts photography exhibitions by both Turkish and foreign artists and Pop-up areas feature exhibitions in architecture, design, video and new media.

Istanbul Modern also includes a cinema that screens films from around the world, as well as those by rising Turkish filmmakers.

Practical Information

Istanbul Modern is located on the pier behind the Nusretiye Mosque. You can get there by taking the tram to the Tophane stop. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-6:00, and Thursday, 10:00-8:00. It is closed on Mondays, January 1 and major religious holidays. Admission for adults is 15 Turkish lira. Private guided tours for groups of at least four can be arranged at a cost of 10 Turkish lira per person or audio guides are available for 5 Turkish lira. Film screenings at the Istanbul Modern cinema are 8 Turkish lira, but are free for museum visitors.